Harley-Davidson brings the best of its long heritage of street motorcycle design to the new 2006 XL Sportster 1200L model. Blending a low seat height and mid-mount controls with the powerful torque of the rubber-mounted Evolution V-Twin engine, the XL Sportster 1200L adds another exciting option to the Sportster family.
“The XL Sportster 1200L combines the specific features and value that our customers requested,” said Bill Davidson, Harley-Davidson Director of Motorcycle Product Development. “This motorcycle is powered by a smooth-riding 1200cc black and chrome treated engine with a lower profile design that stays true to the Sportster heritage of narrow, agile styling.”
The XL Sportster 1200L has a seat height of 667mm, which is 46mm lower than the XL Sportster 1200R Roadster and 5mm lower than the XL Sportster 1200C Custom. In addition, the handlebar grips are moved back 25mm closer to the rider and a new two-up Badlander style seat provides a comfortable ride. That lower profile seat height, merged with the ergonomics of the new pullback handlebar and mid-mount controls, is able to accommodate a broad range of riders.
This latest Harley-Davidson features a black powder-coated 1200cc XL Evolution engine with chrome treatment. All 2006 XL Sportster models feature a new transmission and all 1200cc models feature a clutch that reduces lever effort by 12 per cent. Overall shift effort is significantly reduced due to thin steel “dog rings” that slide to cause gear changes. The new transmission is integrated with the XL Evolution powertrain and shares a die-cast case with the engine. New helical-cut gears mesh more quietly than the straight-cut gears used in the previous transmission.
The XL Sportster is the original Harley-Davidson hot rod motorcycle, with a design refined from the racetrack to the street, offering premier performance and classic style and is offered in eight colour options, including three unique two-tone paint schemes, all with a unique 3-D fuel tank graphic.
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